Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Lisa Bub
A La Carte Nutrition started because I saw a gap that nobody seemed to be addressing. There were plenty of meal prep companies offering pre-packaged meals, but very few were truly personalized. Most people were trying to fit themselves into a generic menu instead of having meals built around their real lives, health goals, and preferences. Read more>>
Megan Hicks
I started doing hair in 2008 and quickly fell in love with the combination of creativity and human connection the industry offers. I spent about 12 years working at a salon in Houston where I built a loyal clientele and developed my skills behind the chair. Read more>>
Jacquelyn Wilson
It has been a long journey to create InnerFlow Family Wellness, and in many ways it represents the culmination of more than two decades of experience working across education, athletics, wellness, and family support. Throughout my career, I kept seeing the same pattern: children and families were struggling, but the solutions they were offered were often fragmented. Read more>>
Vanessa Vanegas
“I came to the United States from Spain with a dream: to build a better future for my son. I arrived in a new country where I barely spoke the language, with only a few dollars in my pocket and a heart full of determination. The beginning was not easy. Read more>>
Siyambonga Magwentshu
As an artist, Siyambonga’s work is a reflection of his ongoing exploration of human experiences, including his own emotions and the anticipation of existence. Through various mediums such as acrylic paints and mixed media, he seeks to capture the essence of what it means to be a single mother, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences without a father figure in his life. Read more>>
Dumisani Jere
Dumisani Jere, founder of DEVOLUTIONERY (PTY) LTD, is a contemporary interdisciplinary artist and former associate, Drawing & Narrative 1st year lecturer. He was born in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1991. He studied at the Open Window Institute, an independent art and digital sciences school based in Pretoria, where he obtained a BA Degree in Visual Communication Design in 2017. Read more>>
Linda Ellis
During a significant transition in my life, I faced the challenges of domestic violence recovery, which prompted me to go back to school and earn my master’s degree in counseling. I started this journey as a married mother and completed it as a single mother. I continued in public education as a school counselor and educator. Read more>>
Kristina Alferuk
My journey in the beauty industry began ten years ago, and if someone had told me then what I would achieve, I probably simply would not have believed it. It was a time of incredible drive and working to the point of exhaustion. Read more>>
Stacy Wilder
For years my life revolved around spreadsheets, budgets, and HR policies and procedures, but the creative muse inside refused to remain quiet. I started college as a journalism major, but switched to a more practical business degree, and spent years working in accounting and human resources. Read more>>
Robin Carlson
I’m going to tell my age about now. As a child I watched Jack LaLanne on tv and loved exercising with him. I watched American Bandstand & Soul Train & learned to dance by watching the dancers, as well as learning the music. That’s what I wanted to do when I grew up. Read more>>
FOF Studios
title: From Behind the Camera to Building a Studio for the Culture: Creating Opportunities for Artists in Houston My journey really started with a camera and a curiosity for the culture around me. I was always around music, artists, and the creative side of things, and I naturally started documenting it. Read more>>
Jesus Montelongo
I was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. right before I started 1st grade. Before 3rd grade started, I moved to Houston and have been living here ever since. I grew up not knowing that mental health was a field that could be studied and this was not a topic that was talked about in my home or with family members. Read more>>
ANTHONY SHERMAN
My path to writing didn’t begin in a traditional way. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, but much of my early life was spent building businesses, creating art, and working in environments where I saw how power, systems, and institutions actually operate behind the scenes. Over time, those experiences started to feel like stories that needed to be told. Read more>>
Quentin Bryan
Founded in 2018, this gym exists for more than strength and sweat. It was created in honor of our daughter, Scarlet, who we lost in 2016. Out of heartbreak came purpose. Out of grief came something that brings people together. This space is a reminder that strength isn’t just physical – it’s showing up, pushing forward, and choosing community even when life hurts. Read more>>
Kyara Ofuani Esq
My journey began in a small town in Janesville, Wisconsin, where I learned early what it meant to stand out. Growing up, I was often one of only a few Black students in predominantly white schools. Those experiences shaped the way I understood identity, justice, and leadership. I was frequently reminded that I was different, sometimes through subtle comments and sometimes through direct discrimination. Read more>>
Dominique Valadez
I started my journey as a stay at home mom looking for a way to help my family financially while still being able to stay home and care for my son. That’s when I met a brow artist who offered classes, and I decided to give it a try. Read more>>
Cindy Heck
My name is Cindy, and I’m 39 years old. My journey started with a single moment in 2005 – the day I walked into a Toni & Guy salon. At the time, T&G was the place for cutting-edge styles and precision cuts. I watched my stylist work, something just clicked. The way she moved, the artistry in every snip – I thought, “This is it. This is what I want to do.” Read more>>
Alisha Kendrick-Pradhan
Between paperwork and prayer. Being multicultural has taught me to translate — not just language, but meaning. It has taught me that ritual can travel. That healing can be both ancient and immediate. Read more>>
Bob Wommack
I’ve been involved in the reverse mortgage industry for more than 25 years. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to originate the very first reverse mortgage in the state of Texas, it was in Mt. Vernon, right after the program was approved by the legislature. Read more>>
Jamie Knotts
Texas Bone Health Specialists (TBHS) was created to complement our first business, OsteoStrong, and to serve the growing community of peri‑menopausal and menopausal women—as well as health‑conscious men—seeking a more comprehensive, science‑driven approach to bone health. Together, the two organizations form a uniquely integrated model focused on rebuilding strength from the inside out. Read more>>
Michael Klanke
Kooler Dawg was inspired by my dog, Hunter. While quail hunting in the 100-degree Texas heat, he would drink from sand pockets filled with rainwater, staying cool even in extreme conditions. This experience made me realize that most hunters—and outdoor enthusiasts—bring a cooler along, so why not use that water for our dogs? Read more>>
Joni Shimp, DVM
For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be in medicine. That calling started when I was a kid — I was always the one drawn to caring for others. When I discovered veterinary medicine, it felt like the perfect fit. I got to combine my love of animals with the part of medicine I find most rewarding: connecting with people. Read more>>
Lisa Cruz
I worked for 25 years as a Registered Nurse, mostly working with families in Labor and Delivery. Although the work was very meaningful to me, after many years in the health care industry, I felt a significant change within myself. Read more>>
Funke Omo-Osagie
The origin After caring for many patients in hospital and home settings, they often shared stories about gaps in care, a lack of patient understanding, and the need for more compassionate, holistic approaches to their care. I started this clinic to bridge that gap. Read more>>
Rebecca Wells
My love for coaching others began in the pool. I was a year-round competitive swimmer for over 10 years, and the pool was the one place where I felt confident in my skillset. I ended up being the assistant coach of a summer league team when I was still in high school. Read more>>
Brittanni Hendricks
My path into coaching and leadership development has been shaped by both professional experience and personal evolution. For most of my career, I worked inside corporate organizations focused on talent development, leadership strategy, and organizational learning. I hold an MBA and have spent years designing leadership programs, coaching professionals, and helping organizations develop the people they rely on to move business forward. Read more>>
Jesse Flores
Growing up, family all have restaurants, mainly Mexican restaurants and I was always fascinated by the care and love they put into each meal that was made and also serving people as well. Read more>>
Judi Hoggatt
After retiring from a career as an Occupational Therapist, I found myself drawn to helping people in a different way. Saving memories is important to me, and I think to many other people also. So, I started to help people to organize their photos. I started with Photobooks by Judi. I taught a digital storybooking class at community college for 10 years. . Read more>>
Gisele Becker Dias Ramos da Costa
My journey into photography is deeply connected to my own life story and to motherhood. For more than 20 years, I built a career in management and leadership roles within a large oil and gas company, working closely with executives and strategic projects. Read more>>
Alexis Jolivet-Chambers
My aspiration to become a nurse began early in childhood. I watched my mother dedicate many years to working in healthcare, and her compassion for others inspired me from a young age. During my senior year of high school, my father unexpectedly passed away. That loss deeply impacted me and strengthened my desire to pursue nursing. Read more>>
Murtaza Badri
The industry is heavily influenced by lenders, bonding requirements, and insurance, all of which create pressure before you even step onto a job site. On top of that, contractors often wait 60–90 days to get paid, and sometimes longer. We’ve experienced situations where payments and change orders were delayed for several months, mostly on public projects. Read more>>
Lance Holmon
The first time I remember having some kind of inkling or pull was when I attended a luxury brokers open house of a million dollar new construction home. I found myself thinking things like I wish I were the designer or builder of this home or helped with the process somehow. It’s as if I hypothetically felt that I would be more fulfilled being a part of the design process instead of selling it. Read more>>
Dylan Lirette
What started as a beloved coastal ice cream shop has now expanded throughout the Houston metro area, offering ice cream catering for corporate, private, and family events. We’ve had the honor of collaborating with renowned restaurants like Pappas Restaurants, Parlor Doughnuts, and Aokicho AYCE Sushi. We’ve also partnered with Blackline Coffee & Donuts and are proud to serve our first Houston high-rise at Amegy Bank Headquarters by the Galleria and soon in their downtown tower as well! Read more>>
Kelly Hornberger
I starting shooting weddings almost 20 years ago after having our first son. Now, 18+ years later, I have three sons in Highshool, an amazing husband and an incredible team of photographers working under the KHP brand. We shoot beautiful weddings in Houston and all over the world as well and gorgeous families and celebrations worth documeting! Read more>>
Sergio Hidalgo
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and my life has been a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences shaped by family, culture and tradition. From my earliest memories, I was surrounded by the aromas of my grandmothers’ cooking, which sparked a deep-rooted passion for food. Read more>>
